HIS 217
History of Chinese and Japanese Civilization
Saint Martin's UniversityCourse
Syllabus

Dr. Richard
L. Langill

Fall 2014

email:
rlangill@stmartin.edu

Office: Old
Main #333

Office
Hours: MWF 9-10am 2-3 pm

PURPOSE
OF THE COURSE:

The
purpose of this course is to introduce students to the development of
Chinese and Japanese civilizations.The course will focus on several important questions.It will examine the major political, economic, social, and
cultural factors which have shapedChinese and Japanese civilizations.It will analyze the major streams of philosophy in both
countries.It will examine the impact of the West on China and
Japan, and how each country dealt with the challenge of modernization,
development, and technological change.It will evaluate the impact of reform, revolution, and
militarization in both countries.Finally, it will analyze the major factors which led to the rise
and demise of Nationalist China, the rise of the Communist Party, the
Civil War in China, the establishment of democracy in Japan, the
challenge to democracy from the Japanese oligarchy and military, the
rise of militarism, World War II, and the occupation of Japan.

FILMS AND AV MATERIALS

I
will use several films, filmstrips, and AV tapes in this course.These materials should enrich the course and give students a
better feel for the development of Chinese civilization. Students should
plan to take brief notes on these programs. These materials are testable
so be sure to attend these sessions and understand the central message
of these films.

ATTENDANCE

Attendance
is the responsibility of the student. Students will be allowed 3
unexcused absences for any reason.After the limit has been reached the student will be penalized 10
points per class missed.

STUDENT GRADES

There will be three
essay examinations and a map examination on China and Japan.Each of the three major examinations will count 20% of your total
grade; the combined score on the map test will constitute another 20%.Class participation will make up the final 20% of your final
grade.Essay examinations
will be utilized in this class with a study guide provided by the
instructor prior to the test.Identification
questions will also used to test significant names, places, events, and
concepts.A practice map and map terms will be distributed in class.

60%

Three Essay Examinations

(300)
points)

20%

Map Exam on China and Japan

(100) points)

20%

Class Participation /Attendance

(100) points)

500 points possible

Grades for the
course are based on the following formula:

A=

500–450

90%

B=

450-400

80%

C=

400-350

70%

D=

350-300

60%

F=

300-250

50%

COURSE ACCOMMODATIONS

If you need course adaptations or
accommodations because of a disability, if you have medical or safety
concerns to share with me, or if you need special arrangements in case
the building must be evacuated, please talk with me as soon as possible.

TEXTBOOKS

(CS)

Conrad
Schirokauer, Miranda Brown, David Lurie and Suzanne Gay. A Brief History of Chinese and Japanese
Civilization, 3rd ed. International Thomson Publishers,
2005